Methylal is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C3H8O2. The word is pronounced /mɛθ(ə)lˈæl/, with the emphasised syllable being the second one. The initial 'm' is pronounced as in the word 'man', while the 'th' is pronounced like in the word 'think'. The second syllable features a schwa sound followed by a voiceless 'th'. Finally, the last syllable is pronounced like the word 'owl'. Methylal is commonly used as a solvent and fuel additive.
Methylal is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid compound with a chemical formula CH3OCH2OCH3 and a molecular weight of approximately 76.10 g/mol. It is also known by its systematic name, dimethoxymethane. The substance is primarily used as an industrial solvent due to its unique properties.
As a solvent, methylal exhibits compatibility with a wide range of organic compounds and offers effective dissolution abilities. It is commonly employed in various applications, including coatings, adhesives, paints, and resins. It can also be found in the production of pesticides, as a reaction intermediate, or as a precursor for other chemical compounds.
Methylal possesses a relatively low boiling point of around 42°C (107.6°F) and is highly volatile, allowing for easy evaporation. It has a sweet and pungent odor similar to that of ether, which is characteristic of its chemical nature.
In terms of safety, methylal should be handled with caution due to its flammable properties. It forms explosive mixtures when exposed to heat, flames, or sparks, and care should be taken to avoid ignition sources during storage or transportation.
Overall, methylal is a versatile organic compound widely used as a solvent in various industries due to its excellent dissolving properties, low boiling point, and compatibility with organic chemicals.
Formal, methylenedimethyl ester, obtained by distilling together methyl alcohol, sulphuric acid, water, and manganese dioxide; a colorless liquid of sharp taste and an odor of chloroform; employed as an antispasmodic and hypnotic in doses of gr. 8-30 (0.5-2.0), and as a local anesthetic in 10 per cent. ointment.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "methylal" is derived from the chemical compound it refers to, specifically "methyl" and "aldehyde".
The term "methyl" comes from the Greek word "methy", meaning "wine" or "spirit". It originated from the fact that methyl compounds were first isolated from distilled wood spirits.
The term "aldehyde" stems from the Latin word "alcohol dehydrogenatum", which translates to "dehydrogenated alcohol". This term was first used by German chemist Justus von Liebig in the early 19th century to describe a class of organic compounds that are derived from alcohols by oxidation.
When the two terms "methyl" and "aldehyde" are combined, they form the word "methylal", which refers to the compound dimethoxymethane, a colorless liquid with the chemical formula CH3OCH2OCH3.